The Young Entrepreneurs Association of Ibiza, Joves Empresaris, are to announce the winners of Best New Company and Best Entrepreneur this Wednesday 25th November at the Joves Empresaris Awards in Ibiza.

Prizes include 3000 euros for ‘Best Young Business’ and 2000 euros for ‘Best Entrepreneur’, with a total of 13 companies and 11 entrepreneurs from the island entered in the competition.

As the world plods on into another crisis-tinged winter, pulling its purse strings tighter as it goes, one mustn’t fail to remember that beneath the surface of any crisis worth its salt, there’s an industrious little hive of entrepreneurs doing their bit to help keep the economy afloat, each in their own self-employed way. And whilst it may be common knowledge that breaking away from the mainstream and setting up business tout seule is a challenge whatever which way you look at it, that hasn’t stopped a number of young inspired business people from the island from doing just that. To encourage their efforts and their hunger, Joves Empresaris, part of the Eivissa-Crea framework, are backing them all the way, this time with a cash incentive and the chance to win the title of Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

The event takes place this Wednesday, 25th November in the Plenary Hall of the Consell de Ibiza, and will bring together the ten finalists for the categories of ‘Best Young Business’ and also this year, for the first time in the history of the Ibiza branch of the organisation, ‘Best Young Entrepreneur’. With cash sums of 3000 euros and 2000 euros respectively, the winners of the awards will also go forward for the Balearic round of the competition with an added 4,500 euros and 3,000 euros there for the taking, before moving on to the National Awards.

Joves Empresaris is a non-profit entity formed for the purpose of promoting entrepreneurs and represents, defends and manages the interests of young business brains right across the Baleares. Amongst many other services offered by the Association, JOVES offers hands on assistance and advice with attaining grants, training courses and job opportunities. The Ibiza branch currently counts with 27 members, with a total of some 200 across the Baleares.

At this week’s ceremony, the judge and jury of Premios Joves Empresaris will also announce the recipients of five special awards with special focus on innovative business aspects including management, growth and expansion strategy, environmental management and corporate social responsibility and finally, entrepreneurship. Forming part of the judging panel will be representatives of CAEB, Sa Nostra Bank, the Balearic Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy, ISBA, Ibiza City Hall, the Youth Department and Consell Insular of Ibiza.